Livingston Restaurant in Atlanta: Southern Comfort in a Historic Midtown Setting

If you’re searching for Southern and soul food in Atlanta and you’ve heard about Livingston Restaurant, you’re looking at a spot that blends classic Southern flavors with a more modern, upscale Midtown vibe. It’s not a meat-and-three or a casual soul food joint; instead, it’s a polished restaurant where you can still find familiar Southern staples, especially at brunch and dinner.

Below is a practical guide to what Livingston is, where it fits in Atlanta’s dining scene, and how to decide if it matches what you’re craving.

Where Livingston Restaurant Fits in Atlanta’s Southern & Soul Food Scene

Atlanta has a wide range of Southern and soul food options—from old-school diners and meat-and-threes to high-end Southern-inspired restaurants. Livingston sits on the more refined, contemporary end of that spectrum.

Key things to know:

• Location: Inside the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel, across from the Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta.
• Style: Southern-influenced American cuisine, not a traditional soul food cafe.
• Vibe: Elegant but approachable—white-tablecloth feel without being overly formal.
• Best for:
  • Pre- or post-show meals before events at the Fox
  • Brunch outings where you want Southern classics served in a stylish dining room
  • Out-of-town guests staying in Midtown who want a “taste of the South” without leaving the neighborhood

If you’re picturing fried chicken on a plastic tray, this isn’t that. If you’re imagining shrimp and grits in a grand historic dining room, you’re much closer.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Livingston Restaurant & Bar
At the Georgian Terrace Hotel
659 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Main area: Midtown Atlanta, right on Peachtree Street across from the Fox Theatre

Getting there

• MARTA:
  • The North Avenue Station is the closest rail stop (Red/Gold lines). It’s typically a short walk east to Peachtree Street and the hotel.
• Driving & Parking:
  • The Georgian Terrace offers valet parking off Peachtree Street.
  • There are also nearby paid parking decks and lots around the Fox Theatre and on side streets like Ponce de Leon Ave and 3rd St NE.
  • Before showtimes at the Fox, parking can fill quickly, so arriving early helps.

What the Menu Is Like: Southern-Inspired, Not Strictly Traditional

Livingston typically offers a New American menu with strong Southern influences. Dishes and exact ingredients rotate, but you’ll commonly see:

Classic Southern-leaning dishes you might find

• Shrimp and grits – Often a go-to Southern anchor dish
• Fried or roasted chicken – Sometimes paired with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or seasonal vegetables
• Biscuit-based brunch items – Biscuit sandwiches, biscuits with gravy, or biscuits served alongside entrées
• Pimento cheese, deviled eggs, or Southern-style starters – Depending on menu rotations
• Grits, greens, and cornbread-style sides – In various forms or pairings

These dishes usually come with more elevated presentation and flavors than you’d find at a simple soul food counter—think refined plating, thicker sauces, and chef-driven twists.

What it’s not

• Not a buffet or cafeteria-style soul food restaurant
• Not a late-night takeout spot or fast-casual place
• Not the most budget-friendly option if you’re looking for big plates on a tight budget

If you want deeply traditional, home-style plates—smothered turkey wings, neckbones, huge portions of mac and cheese—you might be happier at one of Atlanta’s more classic soul food spots elsewhere in the city. Livingston is more of a Southern-influenced Midtown dining experience.

Typical Experiences: Brunch, Dinner, and Pre-Show Dining

Brunch at Livingston

Brunch is often where Livingston’s Southern roots show the most. Expect things like:

• Chicken and waffles or fried chicken with biscuits
• Shrimp and grits
• French toast or pancakes with seasonal fruit
• Egg dishes with Southern touches (cheddar grits, country ham, etc.)
• Coffee, juices, and a full bar for brunch cocktails

For Atlanta locals, brunch at Livingston can work well if:

• You want a nicer setting for a special occasion
• You’re meeting friends before exploring Midtown or going to a matinee at the Fox
• You have out-of-town visitors and want to impress with a historic, “only in Atlanta” space

Dinner at Livingston

Dinner tends to feel more date-night or pre-theatre:

• Entrées often include steaks, fish, and poultry with seasonal vegetables.
• Southern influence shows up in sides, sauces, and ingredients—grits, okra, greens, local vegetables, and regional cheeses.
• The bar area offers cocktails that pair well with Southern dishes and can also serve as a lighter, more casual option if you just want drinks and small plates.

Pre- or post-Fox Theatre meals

Because it’s literally across the street from the Fox Theatre, Livingston is a convenient option if you:

• Want a sit-down dinner before a show
• Prefer to park once and walk across the street
• Want a spot that feels special enough for a big concert, Broadway show, or event

If you’re timing around a show:

• Aim to reserve a time at least 1.5–2 hours before curtain for a relaxed dinner.
• After a show, especially evenings, restaurants in the area can be busier, so check closing times.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

The Georgian Terrace is a historic Atlanta landmark, and Livingston’s interior reflects that:

• High ceilings and large windows facing Peachtree
• Refined decor with a blend of historic and modern elements
• A bar area for more casual seating and drinks
• A main dining room that suits special occasions, date nights, and business dinners

Dress is generally smart casual—you’ll see a mix of theater-goers in dressy outfits and locals in neat, casual attire. You don’t need formalwear, but it’s the kind of place where people often dress a little nicer than they might for a simple lunch.

Quick Comparison: Livingston vs. Other Southern/Soul Food Options in Atlanta

This is a general positioning guide, not a ranking of specific restaurants.

If your priority is authentic, everyday soul food like you’d get at a Sunday family gathering, Atlanta has many neighborhood spots that may fit better. If you want Southern comfort food with a refined Midtown setting and historic ambiance, Livingston is aligned with that.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Diners

Here are a few ways to make the most of a visit to Livingston if you’re in Atlanta:

• Check current hours and menus before you go. Offerings can change, especially around holidays or events at the Fox.
• Reserve ahead for show nights. When the Fox has a major performance, restaurants on Peachtree can book up quickly.
• Plan for Midtown traffic. Peachtree Street near North Avenue can be congested around rush hour and event times.
• Consider MARTA for big events. Parking can get expensive and scarce; North Avenue Station puts you within a short walk.
• Use it as a “welcome to Atlanta” venue. If you’re hosting guests, Livingston conveniently showcases historic architecture and Southern-influenced food in one stop.

Is Livingston the Right Southern & Soul Food Choice for You?

For someone in Atlanta looking for Southern and soul food, Livingston makes sense if:

• You want Southern flavors in a more refined, Midtown setting
• You’re attending a show at the Fox Theatre and want a nearby sit-down meal
• You appreciate historic architecture and atmosphere as part of the dining experience
• You’re comfortable with a price point that reflects hotel dining and the location

If you’re primarily seeking traditional, casual soul food with huge portions and a home-style feel, you may want to explore other neighborhoods and dedicated soul food restaurants around the city. But if your goal is a Southern-inspired restaurant experience in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, Livingston can be a strong fit—especially for brunch, date nights, and pre-theatre evenings.